We all know the feeling. You’re in the grocery store, and you spot it: The KitchenAid Stand Mixer. You don’t need it, but you want it. You find yourself checking displays for hopefully-still-available colors. You go home, tell your friends and co-workers that you have to have it, but then you never actually buy one. Feelings of guilt take over when your friends ask you where the mixer is and if it’s still available. You just have to have it.
But you never do. This is the classic KitchenAid Buyer’s Response issue, which happens to be one of the most common reasons why people never buy kitchen appliances. But things are about to change for you, dear reader, because anytime now you can tell your wife that buying that mixer is about to get much more convenient… and we’re going to explain exactly how it will be possible.
First and foremost, let’s look at the mixer itself. Everything from this point forward is based on our analysis of the Classic 5-Quart Artisan model (Model KSM150PS). The Classic 5-Quart Artisan Stand Mixer features a powerful 325-watt motor and KitchenAid’s patented planetary mixing action, which you can read about in a bit. It has a total 8 speeds, including an electronic speed sensor that detects the viscosity of your ingredients and selects the correct speed for you (up to 300 RPM).
As far as we know, it also comes with a quick-release tilt head for bowl removal, direct-drive transmission for power and durability, and is available in five colors: Onyx Black (shown), Empire Red , Classic White , Apple Green , and Cranberry Red . It’s priced at around $300.
But now we’re going to tell you more. This is going to be a story about a high-end appliance that isn’t really high end at all. For those of you unfamiliar with the KitchenAid brand, they have been around since 1919. They produce more than just mixers.
They make blenders, food processors and food choppers (like the one pictured above), but their bread and butter are stand mixers. I suppose it’s also fair to call them “KitchenAid appliances,” because their lineup is pretty much all of what you’re looking for if you want an electric mixer: Classic, Artisan and Premier.
So what does it mean when someone says their KitchenAid is “high end?”
There are actually two types of “high end” products in the KitchenAid lineup: Classic and Artisan. There are a few differences between them, but at first glance this might not be immediately obvious. So here’s a quick breakdown for you:
Classic models have high-gloss finishes, usually black or white. They have stainless steel bowls with glass lids. As far as we know they do not come with splash guards or pouring spouts. Artisan models have high-gloss finishes, usually red (like the one above), green or burgundy (more on this color choice in a bit). They have stainless or glass bowls with plastic lids. As far as we know, they do not come with splash guards or pouring spouts.
Premier models are made of stainless steel and come with a flat finish. They have glass bowls with pour spouts. A fter that they all seem to have a lot in common. The Artisan is the only model out of the three that comes in colors, because it’s also their “super premium” line. But really, the differences between the Classic and Artisan mostly come down to aesthetics.
But now here’s where things get crazy. They are all manufactured in China (including the U.S.-sold ones). They are all made from plastic and steel. The only difference is that the Classic models have better-looking finishes, and the Artisan models have cheaper-looking finishes. Even their motors are the same – they all come from a factory somewhere in China. So this begs the question:
What is high end about KitchenAid appliances?
So how does a mixer (or any product) qualify as high end? If we go back to our definition of “high end” for KitchenAid mixers, it becomes pretty clear: “They are all manufactured in China (including the U.S.-sold ones).” So if their manufacturing plant is in China… and they’re really just the same thing.
So how is the Classic line different than the Artisan line? Here’s the deal: The Classic line has all of the same features – high-gloss finishes, stainless steel and glass bowls, plastic lids, etc. But where they really differ is in that they are all made in China. The Classic series are manufactured in Wuxi – which is hundreds of miles from Lansing, MI, where all of their U.S.-sold models are made. And it’s not like Wuxi is a secret: KitchenAid builds their mixers in this factory because it makes them easier for them to transport to the U.S., which saves them money on international shipping costs. They are made from plastic, steel and glass – just like their U.S.-sold versions.
In fact, the same factory in Wuxi makes both the U.S.-sold Classic and Artisan models; KitchenAid only has them manufactured in different locations for marketing purposes. The Classic line is a really clever marketing gimmick which costs them very little. But it’s also worth noting that their own website says everything below is true:
“KitchenAid mixers are designed, engineered and assembled in a single facility (Wuxi, China) under our quality standards.”
The Classic line was created with an eye towards America’s tastes. Americans like to differentiate themselves from other people. We like to see our culture represented in products and services. We like to see “American” on products… the most obvious example being the “American” cars we drive – made by American companies, but assembled all over the world.
But these are our own decisions. We don’t actually need to see a country of origin on every product that we buy, because consumers have become accustomed to buying things made in China… especially when they look pretty much exactly the same as ones made in America. And what makes it even better for KitchenAid is that they can get away with selling their products at a higher price this way, because you think that it’s better quality (and sometimes even locally-made).
For example, the Artisan Stand Mixer retails at a 300% premium over the Classic Stand Mixer. So does that mean it’s 300% better quality? Well… no. You’re paying for a 300% markup because you think it’s made in America. And it’s not made in America, either – it comes from China just like any other of their products.
But what about the stainless steel and glass bowls? KitchenAid has always been known for its heavy use of stainless steel, which is why they can sell their mixers for a premium elsewhere in the world. Even their low-end mixer (the 5 qt. Artisan) has plastic bowls with plastic lids. It’s just that the Classic line is manufacturing them in China… and making them look better than their Classic counterparts.
And as for that splash guard? Well, most of these items are actually made in America.
In a now-deleted blog post, Larsen wrote: “Many of the premium models (Classic, Artisan and Premier) have stainless steel universal bases manufactured here in the USA right alongside our Asian factories.” He continued: “This allows us to sell the same product with different shade of paint and finish combinations.
It has been around since 1920, and to this day remains one of the most sought-after pieces of kitchen equipment on the market. Is there anything this heavy-duty appliance can’t do? Apparently not! In 1936, the company introduced a model that could produce both cake batter and whipped cream at the same time (a feat previously possible only with two separate devices).
The machine is renowned for its durability and quality, featuring a heavy-duty construction with a flat, hard-to-dislodge base that can endure years of beating. It can also handle anything from bread crumbs to cookie dough without faltering, thanks to the well-balanced and precise design.
Our favorite model in the line is the Artisan Series 6-Quart Stand Mixer, which features a capacity up to six quarts. This cycle features precise speed adjustments that are simple to use and should please those who prefer working on their mixers at home rather than at their local culinary institute.
And if you’re planning your culinary wedding? No problem! The Artisan Series can perform its bread-baking duties with a sturdy push of a button. This model comes complete with a power cord that’s so long, you’ll want to hang it from your ceiling to extend its reach. But it’s well worth the effort, as this appliance has been known to energize entire kitchens (and basements) from across the state line.
It is also available in smaller models for individual use and individual parts, such as whisks and beaters. Want to mix up some syrup? Whip up a batch of cookies? Whisk up some egg whites? No problem! The Artisan Series can take it, and then take you out for a night on the town to celebrate. It’s just that kind of machine.
Which KitchenAid standing mixer is the best?
I think the most important question you can ask yourself when choosing a KitchenAid stand mixer is – what kind of commercial kitchen do you want to run? If your kitchen is very small, then it is probably worth looking at the various 5 Quart KitchenAid mixers. While they are not really the best choices if you plan to make large amounts of food in a single session, they are still very useful in smaller settings. However, if you plan on cooking more than 5 / 6 pans per session, it would be beneficial to our purchasing a larger model. The 6 Quart companies tend to be more expensive than their counterparts. However, these mixers are still great choices for small kitchens and large families.
If you intend to work on a large scale, then the best choice is definitely the KitchenAid Professional Series. These mixers are manufactured by the company’s proprietary “Power Drive” technology, which gives these mixers unmatched efficiency and versatility. In addition, with these mixers, you can multitask with ease. They have various attachments that help you perform various tasks in your kitchen – such as preparing dough or cutting and crushing ice from your freezer to make drinks – all in a single session! If you are interested in purchasing such a stand mixer, then there is no better choice than the KitchenAid Professional Series 5QT.
What is the difference between the KitchenAid models?
The KitchenAid Artisan Series – this is the classic stand mixer, with a tilt-back head. This is probably the type you think of every time you think of a KitchenAid mixer. The Artisan has been around for a while and has not changed much over the years. It is one of the best-selling stand mixers on Amazon and tends to be very popular in most kitchens. Unlike other models, it uses a standard 325W motor that relies on 4 1/2 quart plastic bowl.
The KitchenAid Classic Series – this model has been around for decades and remains one of their best sellers today. It is called the Classic because at one time it was their most popular model. It is also called a 6 Quart “Professional” mixing machine because that capacity was once considered professional standard. It is a slightly newer model, with the last significant redesign being in 1995. The KitchenAid Architect Series – this is their new model for commercial kitchens. These mixers have the most powerful motor of any KitchenAid mixers and even offer interchangeable bowls so you can choose from several different capacities.
What is difference between classic and artisan KitchenAid?
The KitchenAid Classic series has a tilt back head, which makes it easier to prepare food and to clean the machine. The tilt back allows you to freely access the bowl, as well as allowing you to prepare food with ease. They use 320-watt motors, and there are no speed adjustments for this model.
The KitchenAid Artisan series uses a 475-watt motor which makes it one of the most powerful machines out there. This model also has speed controls, allowing you to make changes in speed depending on what you are mixing. The motor is made up of an inner shaft that spins inside an outer shaft, giving the mixer more power than other models of Kitchen Aid mixers.
What is the difference between KitchenAid heavy duty and professional?
The difference between the KitchenAid Heavy Duty and Professional is that the Professional has a 2 speed control, which allows you to change the speed of the mixing action. This makes it much easier to use if you will be mixing thicker doughs or larger amounts of batters.
The heavy duty machines are great for those who plan on making smaller batches in various sizes, but don’t want to have to make multiple batches because they are not able to mix large quantities at a time. The professional machines can mix everything from cake batter (mixed thin enough) up to 5-6-quart batches at one time.
CONCLUSION:
Now for the most important part of this review! We will help you decide which is the best KitchenAid stand mixer for your needs and budget. So without further ado, let’s get right into it. The Artisan Series is a great first choice, and it is one of the most popular KitchenAid Stand Mixes on Amazon. We would recommend this model to anyone who is either new to baking or bakers who are looking for a high-quality mixer that isn’t overly expensive. The Artisan Series is also the first model in the KitchenAid lineup to use their “tilt dome design” that allows you to easily access and clean the mixing bowl. This makes the Artisan a great choice for those who plan on making large batches of food at one time.
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